Modular LLIF Interbody Assembly for Smaller Incisions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral fusion devices, particularly those used in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), often require large incisions and can cause damage to nerve structures due to their size and insertion method, which complicates the surgical procedure and increases the risk of trauma.
Innovation Solution
A modular LLIF device comprising separate superior and inferior components with interdigitating rails and a core component that allows for assembly in situ, minimizing the size of the incision and reducing nerve damage by enabling gentle insertion and adjustment to fit various spinal alignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional single-piece intervertebral device is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the incision size increases and nerve damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral device is divided into multiple separate components including superior and inferior endplates and a core component. These components can be inserted separately through smaller incisions and assembled within the intervertebral space, reducing the initial incision size and minimizing nerve damage risk while maintaining structural integrity through controlled assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a modular intervertebral device with separate components is used, then the incision size is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core component is designed to be inserted between the superior and inferior endplates, with features such as protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses in the endplates. This nested arrangement allows compact storage and simplified handling of the modular components while enabling straightforward assembly through mechanical interlocking, thereby reducing device complexity despite the modular design.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-size intervertebral device is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying spinal alignments and intervertebral space dimensions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows the intervertebral device to be configured dynamically to match the specific anatomical requirements of each patient. The core component can be selected in different sizes and configurations, and the assembly can be adjusted during surgery to accommodate varying intervertebral space dimensions and spinal alignments, providing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing precision for each standardized component.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) device comprising superior (10) and inferior (10) components and a core component (50) insertable between the superior and inferior components whereby a separation between the superior and inferior components is determined. The superior component (10) has superior component top and bottom sides and the inferior component (10) has inferior component top and bottom sides. When the superior and inferior components are received between first and second vertebrae the superior component top side abuts against the first vertebra, the inferior component bottom side abuts against the second vertebra, and the superior component bottom side and the inferior component top side oppose each other. First and second superior rails protrude from the superior component bottom side. The first and second superior rails extend in the lateral direction and are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction. First and second inferior rails protrude from the inferior component top side. The first and second inferior rails extends in the lateral direction and are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction. The first and second superior rails and the first and second inferior rails are disposed on their respective components such that the first and second superior rails interdigitate with the first and second inferior rails when the superior and inferior components are in registration and abut against each other before insertion of the core component between the superior and inferior components. The core component (50) is configured to inter-engage with each of the first and second superior rails and each of the first and second inferior rails during insertion of the core component between the superior and inferior components (10).